Bryce Harper back in Nationals' lineup after thumb injury

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper reacts after he hit a three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Washington. The Nationals won 3-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Nick Wass

September 30, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) Nationals star Bryce Harper was back in the starting lineup for Friday night's matchup against Miami after the outfielder sat out the previous four days with a left thumb injury.

Rain fell throughout Friday and was expected to linger as the NL East champions began their final series of the regular season.

Washington began the day two games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for home-field advantage in their upcoming matchup in the Division Series.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker has given Harper additional time to heal after the reigning NL MVP jammed his thumb on a slide Sunday at Pittsburgh.

''If a guy tells me he's ready, if I have a luxury, I like to give them one more day off,'' Baker said. ''I just noticed that a lot of guys say they're ready, and you bring them back and they're really not ready. I would prefer that you be champing at the bit to get back (instead) of a person to just say that you're ready.''

Baker also took precaution with Harper because of the wet conditions in the Washington area this week.

Harper is batting .244 with 24 home runs and 95 RBIs.

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